Ethiopia — Yirgacheffe GR2

Origin: Yirgacheffe, Sidamo Region Profile: Floral, Tea-like, and Sophisticated

Yirgacheffe GR2 is arguably the most famous coffee in the world for those who love “bright” profiles. Grown at high altitudes (1,700–2,200 meters), Yirgacheffe is a micro-region within Sidamo that produces a bean so distinct it is classified on its own.

The Grade 2 (GR2) designation usually signifies a fully washed coffee. Unlike the earthy, natural-process Djimmah, the washed process removes the fruit pulp before drying, resulting in a “clean” cup that highlights delicate floral aromatics rather than heavy fruit or earth notes.

Flavour Experience

Body: Light and elegant with a silky, tea-like texture.
Notes: Intense jasmine and honeysuckle florals, followed by lemon zest and sweet peach.
Acidity: High, crisp, and sparkling—reminiscent of a fine white wine.
Finish: Refreshing and clean, with a lingering hint of bergamot or Earl Grey tea.

Best Enjoyed As

Yirgacheffe is a specialty darling that shines best when prepared with methods that preserve its volatile aromatics:

The Precision Pour-Over (Hario V60): The gold standard for Yirgacheffe, allowing the floral and citrus notes to bloom.
Iced Coffee: Its high acidity and floral profile make for an incredibly refreshing cold brew or “Japanese style” iced coffee.
Light/City Roast: To avoid masking the delicate jasmine scents with “roasty” carbon flavors.

Why “Grade 2”?

In the Ethiopian grading system, Grade 1 and Grade 2 are reserved for specialty-grade washed coffees.

Grade 1: Near-zero defects; highest intensity.
Grade 2: Very high quality with a slightly more flexible defect count, offering the iconic Yirgacheffe profile at a more accessible price point for daily specialty drinking.